[R-390] Re: Refinishing meters
Scott, Barry (Clyde B)
[email protected]
Wed, 30 Apr 2003 13:38:30 -0500
Yes, I've opened meters marked "Sealed" and realize this was designed to
keep contaminants out, not to keep bad stuff in.
I think both the meters on my Motorola are original as they have the
markings you describe. The "newer" Carrier Level meter (pictured on my
website) doesn't appear to have as thick a film on it as the other meters.
The Line Level pictured does appear to have it.
I have not been able to detect any glow-in-the-dark effects from any of
these meters, but I may not have given my eyes enough time to adjust. I'll
give it another try -- particularly after "charging" one of them in
sunlight.
Thanks.
Barry(III) - N4BUQ
-----Original Message-----
From: Roy Morgan [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Wednesday, April 30, 2003 1:37 PM
To: Scott, Barry (Clyde B); [email protected]
Subject: RE: [R-390] Re: Refinishing meters
At 01:15 PM 4/30/03 -0500, Scott, Barry (Clyde B) wrote:
>Roy,
>
>Good [repeat] advice. One of the meters (Carrier Level) is marked "Sealed
-
>Do Not Open" while the other (Line Level) is not marked as such. I wonder
>if the Line Level meter would be considered "safe"?
Barry,
Many harmless meters are in fact "sealed" and are not intended to be opened
for repair. I would not depend on the marking "Sealed do not open" as an
indication one way or the other that the thing contains any radioactive
material.
Instead, I suggest you do two things:
1) Become familiar with the visual appearance of the radioactive
markings. (Yellow-ish, thick, indistinct edges, may appear to have been
dobbed on the surface over existing paint markings.)
2) Look at the meter in the dark, complete darkness, after you have also
been in the dark for at least 15 minutes to allow your eyes to
adjust.. Also, try this after exposing the meter close range to the sun,
or to a flourescent lamp (preferably a cool white one). This may
"re-charge" the glowing material a bit.
>the Line Level meter doesn't appear to be all that well sealed (see
>pictures) so
>I'm thinking it may not be a threat.
I don't know if the meters that have radioactive markings were sealed or
not. Will folks who know the nature of their meters comment on this please?
Roy
- Roy Morgan, K1LKY since 1959 - Keep 'em Glowing!
7130 Panorama Drive, Derwood MD 20855
Home: 301-330-8828 Work: Voice: 301-975-3254, Fax: 301-948-6213
[email protected] --